8818/Super Sundew Gala

Super Sundew Gala
Date of Scene:	09 March 2024
Location:	Spring (The Sundew Kingdom)
Synopsis:	Sarracenia hosts a ball after being teased about never having hosted a social event.
Cast of Characters:	Sarracenia, 7615, 7518, 7373, 7573

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Sarracenia has posed:
     The Kingdom of Sundew is located in a gigantic, amazingly dense jungle. The trees grow as tall as skyscrapers, the underbrush grows as tall as houses, and both are so thick and virulent that only one road can be maintained through constant weeding patrols. The kingdom itself consists of one large city built within a lake to form a natural barrier against the forest and any who might attack from the ground. The best way in and out of the town is by airship. Above the city is a series of platforms for landing and launching airships.

     The airport contains platforms for holding everything from fighter craft to ships as large as cruisers. Of course, all the local ships are built from wood.

     The people of this land consist of humans and pirahna plants living together in the city, and small bands of native giant bugs that form tribal groups within the jungle. The bugs stay clear of the town, and the people stay clear of the forest unless absolutely necessary.

     The soiree is being held within the castle, and there are plenty of piranha plant soldiers present for security. The short plant creatures are wearing man-o-war helmets and matching breast plates while wielding short spears.

     The route from the town square to the castle is flanked by a full row of them on each side with about teen feet between each soldier. They stand at attention with their spears resting on the ground and the head pointed at the sky.

     The castle has a small moat between itself and the rest of the city, but there is a permanent stone bridge leading to the main gate rather than a draw bridge. Outside the main castle a wooden building has been assembled which contains a wardrobe of clothing rentals for the occassion.

Sarracenia has posed:

     Those entering the castle are directed straight ahead to a massive dance hall. A full buffet has been catered set up along the left side when entering the room. Food of all types including plenty of deserts are available along with drinks ranging from sodas to champagne which are poured on demand into crystal wine glasses.

     Many long tables are set up around the perimeter of the hall with the center area clear for dancers. At the far end from the entrance a staircase comes down from above and arcs to the side of a large set of doors that likely lead to the throne room.

     There are three throne-like chairs set at the center of a table in front of those doors where the royal family will likely sit once they arrive. For now, guests are able to mingle amongst themselves. If asked, the collection of piranha plant and human waitstaff will say that the royals should arrive shortly.

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
In a technical sense, Shinmyoumaru wasn't invited to this gathering, because Sarracenia doesn't know who she is.

But in an equally technical sense, just looking at it differently, she *was* invited to this party because she has an invitation. Sure, it doesn't have her name on it, she took it from a news stand, and the card specifically says she doesn't need an invitation, but since when does she let that stop her?

Shinmyoumaru prefers that reading. And so she's decided to make an appearance. Such as it is.

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna is... okay, at first glance she could pass for a kid who got into the party, somehow; she's about four feet tall, after all, with a round face and bright cheeks that make her look young and probably will continue to do so for literal decades.

She does have a very nice kimono though. It bears some resemblance to her usual one in that it is red, primarily, but this one is layered with several other kinds and colours of bright fabrics; violet and green, with a bit of a ruffled lower hem. Though it covers her to the floor, when her legs are (rarely) visible she has a white hakama. Rather than a hat, she's pulled her hair up and back and held it with some decorated pins. It's not *traditional* but it is certainly *elegant*. (And though she doesn't normally wear shoes, when her feet peek out occasionally when she's walking, she is. Nobody can call her non-elegant!)

Shinmyoumaru has never seen a pirahna plant before, and spent a few moments watching the guards, but is currently... mingling. Which, because she comes from a castle that doesn't contain anyone who doesn't already know her, is something she hasn't done a whole lot, and so she's been introducing herself with enthusiasm. She seems to be enjoying herself.

Sarracenia has posed:

     There is also a small orchestra, about 20 strong, set up as well. The attendance is not exactly high considering how open and advertised the event was, but there are plenty of wealthy merchants from the city itself present, and at least one toad ambassador from the Mushroom kingdom. A few minutes after the official start time, the orchestra swells with the national anthem and the royal family makes its way down from above. Gregory, the piranha plant butler, announces them. "King Bark and Queen Pansy Sundew, and their daughter Princess Sarracenia Sundew!"

     The king is a tall man in his late 40s with a strong bearing, light brown hair, and a stern face. He wears a green cloak over his royal clothes, which are a mixture of browns and greens. His wife, slightly shorter and of similar age, holds his arm on the way down the stairs. She has long reddish brown hair and a matching color scheme to her clothing, with a slightly longer cloak so that it drags behind her a bit.

     Sarracenia walks behind them, wearing bright red as usual. But, rather than the poofy gown she usually wears she has on a long sleek red dress with a sparkling skirt and a silk upper half that shows off her figure a bit more. It still covers hearly every inch of skin though, with long black velvet gloves extending up to above her elbows and flower-like shoulder pads. Her long shining copper hair has been done up with braids on either side above her ears and a red rose has been place where the two braids meet in back.

     They head down to their chairs and take a seat, and the orchestra returns to playing music one might expect of such an affair.

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
    "You know, first things first, princess. If you want to throw a half-decent high-class party, you have to keep it *exclusive*."

    Petra's voice carries across the ballroom when she opens up the doors, intentionally announcing her presence. Out from behind her, framed by the open door, spreads a cluster of agents, suits accented with black-gold Lobotomy Corporation armbands on one arm, and her own Eggman-inspired rat insignia on the other. She takes advantage of the hush that falls over the room from the combination of her slamming open the doors and calling out to Sarracenia to start walking into the room, heavy bootsteps echoing off the walls, with her agents following.

    She comes to a halt at the end of one of the tables, hand held out expectantly for one of the servants to place a wine glass into it, eyes locked on the thrones with a smug half-smile. "You never know what trouble might wander in."

    Taking a slow sip from the glass (she was given champagne, by default. It's not what she wants, and she has to resist making a face at the alcohol, but it felt important to the tempo of her introduction.), Petra finally breaks her stare at Sarracenia and starts languidly walking around the perimeter of the ballroom, gaze sliding around the features of the party like she can criticize them without even saying anything. "If you wanted advice on how to be a good host, you could have just asked me, Sarracenia."

    Obviously Petra didn't pull off that energy off the cuff. She's been around Lilian long enough to harness some of her demeanor, and workshopped what she'd want to say for maximum performative effect. She knows it's no coincidence that Sarracenia is so intent on hosting so soon after getting mocked for being inferior to Petra in that field, so it's a matter of not only presenting herself as a political and personal equal to the princess, but a contemptful superior.

    Petra's aversion to dresses is somewhat of a hindrance to formal partywear, and her refusal to wear them is something she an Sarracenia have clashed over before. Today, however, she has an out: presenting herself as the threatening supervillain mob boss with suited underlings that she is, rather than the political leader of a foreign kingdom that she also is. No one's here in EGO gear, with her agents in default L-Corp suits instead, and Petra herself in a complimenting, and distinctive, if slightly strange, outfit.

    The base of her outfit is similar enough to a suit without a jacket. A white dress shirt, tucked into black formal pants, with her black combat boots in place of more appropriate heels or flats. Over her shoulders, draped over her arms without actually having sleeves, is an article of clothing that can only really be described as a mantle, black with a pattern of sickly yellow hexagons on one side, and her kingdom's insignia in reflective black that only shows in the light on the other. It looks like something Binah might wear-- which Petra hadn't thought about before custom ordering it, since it's meant to echo Sting Silver's armor, as a quiet reminder that she's always armed.

    The most notably uncomfortable part, though, is that in addition to the ever-present black-gold leather collar with its lily ornament, Petra is wearing a *second* piece of blatant bondage gear. A double leather harness belt, with straps going over her shoulders and around her waist, serves to accent both the shape of the dress shirt, and ties the near monochromaticy of the outfit together.

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
    Two of her four agents are fumblingly confused by the whole ordeal. New to HQ, the two women haven't stepped out into the multiverse a single time before, and on their first outing, they're being used as props in a supervillain monologue in an alien kingdom by their boss who they also only just met.

    Noyo is a tall blonde woman with pointed ears she keeps fiddling with. She's the most embarrassed by the performance and attention, blushing pink until people go back to their dancing and meals, and once she gets a chance, she leans in to talk to Ceri, who's her (apparently) only non-insane coworker present. "Hey, um... is she always like that? I... hi, I'm Noyo, I'm new; this is... eheh, *all* new, really. To me."

    Vincent is the other new Extraction agent, though she's less embarrassed and more bemused. She's got mauve and pink hair, tied back in a lazy ponytail, tidied up to the minimum standards for 'going outside' and only aesthetically appropriate for the formal event due to whatever the villainous goon version of the cheerleader effect is. Hands in her suit pockets, she steps up behind Petra while she's plating up some food and leans over her shoulder (Petra is also enormously grateful for the attention to fade away, because once the adrenaline wears off she starts feeling really shy).

    "Didn't look like much of a terrorist. Didn't look like any Syndicate I know of, either." "Yeah, I, uh... I figured I'd have time to explain on the way, but my outfit kind of took... yeah, anyways, I'm only part-time at L-Corp, I'm also the apprentice of the greatest supervillain in the multiverse and I run a kingdom." "Is that so." "And... uh... a Kamen Rider." "Fantastic." "And certified to work with Immunes." "Glad that's cleared up."

Aidan Proudpick (7373) has posed:
As distant as Sarracenia might think Aidan is from her, he sounded pretty excited to come, and cheerful about the idea. Even when the connections are rough, Aidan tries to keep them. And maybe, there's another part to it.

However, in third place, it's a place that he can't be hunted down for validharm.

And, in fourth place...

Aidan comes out from deeper within the castle, wearing a velvet blue woman's blouse top. The kind with puffy upper arms and shoulders, and flared sleeves. It tucks in with a green corset, then into a man's blue breeches. He tries to quickly take his place among the mingling, grabbing a flute of champagne. His eyes dart between each and everyone else to see if there is some sort of formal thing he is supposed to do. Bow? Clap? He tries to just follow in with whatever because waving enthusiatically over everyone towards Sarracenia. "Hey princess Sarracenia!"

The doors fly open. Aidan's eyes drift over, ears suddenly flattening, a backward shift, a sudden instinct to flee and save himself from any amount of verbal pain.

Angela (7573) has posed:
Amongst the agents following Captain Petra in is Parker! Parker is not wearing EGO Gear but is wearing a lobcorp suit complete with the B Armband. She is the first Extraction Agent but because she is insane, could never really be the CAPTAIN. She has her hair pulled back into a ponytail and is, of course, wearing her face. Her face is the EGO Gift of Today's Shy Look which is a horrifying smiling skin mask affixed to whatever her face is like underneath. It is fundamentally impossible for her to not be wearing this. Yes, it does smell a little! But trying to get her to remove this will result in extreme violence since she IS following Petra in. She is wearing the datapad for Binah who will not miss this car crash for the world but she's being quiet for the time being in order to enjoy her tea.

Additionally following Petra in is Cinder! Cinder doesn't really have strong feelings about Sarracenia but she does want to support her girlfriend's villainy and she's really missed her over the time she was gone so helping her by being vaguely threatening while standing with her, but slightly behind her because she's the ranking officer and has a castle. Suits ARE formal wear, but neither of them are wearing dresses. Dresses are actually pretty uncommon-wear amongst the Agents, Fixers, and working class of the City--frankly, they are still rare outside of this class. The Agents aren't particularly accustomed to Petra's mode of dress but figure it's a specialized battle armor of some sort. It isn't unheard of. Just look at the Regret EGO.

And finally there's Ceri. Ceri is the fanciest person present (she always was a bit fancy). She IS wearing a suit but she is also wearing a bright shoulder cape like a matador might wear and a bright red tricorne hat. A decorative rapier is strapped to the back of her wheelchair since it'd be far too awkward to wear at her hip right now.

She isn't really posing around with the others as part of Petra's villainous entrance only because she is too depressed to. Cinder is biting her lip as Petra in this outfit and acting like this is rocking her world. She doesn't say anything but she knows to move in lockstep with Parker, who kind of gives the impression she's done this sort of dramatic smug entrance many times before since she is quite good at it, even with the facemask, even going so far as to cross her arms and lifting up her head like she's looking down her nose or it would be if it wasn't for the facemask covering her nose completely.

Hey, um... is she always like that?

"Not always," Ceri asides to Noyo. "But she is our most capable Agent. You'd do well to follow her lead. Stay close when you're learning and you'll be in good shape."

Parker manages to hold this position but seems to have a sixth sense for when Parker wants it to stop and spins around to make her way for the table, collecting cutlery and food.

Cinder looks to Vincent and asides, "The kingdom is pretty new though. You'll probably end up visiting since you're on the same team. I know we've sent some clerks over before..."

Ceri continues rolling forward, making her way towards Sarracenia.

"Princess Sarracenia Sundew. Thank you for the invitation to your gala. I am Ceri, we have spoken on the band before." Ceri dips her head politely. She can't bow too deep.

"That is quite the beautiful necklace." Ceri says to Sarracenia. "I unfortunately cannot stand. May i ask you to bend forward a little so I may better appreciate it?"

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
Shinmyoumaru had been surprised that it was such an *open* invitation, but she hasn't previously been able to hang out with humans very much, so maybe this is how they ordinarily have their banquets.

Hey, that's a squirrel, she thinks to herself - and Shinmyoumaru has a poor relationship with squirrels. Normally she isn't so big, but then again normally *they* aren't so big and don't wear corsets. His fashion needs work, Shinmyoumaru decides, but also decides to avoid Aidan, because the last time she ran into a squirrel it chased her out of a tree and *once was enough*.

She looks up from where she was chatting with a guard to see the royalty walk in, and then, in the other direction, the crew from Lobotomy Corporation. (Petra counts.) They're all one group, and Petra wants to make a point.

Shinmyoumaru appreciates the sheer intensity required to try to pull that off, and she can tell there's history here but doesn't know what it is. She's pretty sure at least one of her friends would be cheering Petra on right now though. This makes Shinmyoumaru really want to see where this goes. She starts to wander over that way, though she has to dodge around people and loses sight of the 'conversation' between the Lobotomy Corporation crew and Sarracenia several times when she has a perfect view of someone's upper back.

Sarracenia has posed:
     The king and queen both look toward Sarracenia as trouble loudly arrives, and Sarracenia - while obviously annoyed at the trouble appearing- is not surprised by it and lightly waves them off under the table then addresses Petra.

     "I did not want to throw a half-decent high-class party. I wanted it to be fully decent and non-exclusive since I don't hold myself above anyone merely on the grounds of them not being 'high-class'." she says, not even rising from her chair.

     Aidan greets her, and Sarracenia looks somewhat surprised at the greeting. She smiles to him though and offers a friendly wave. "Hello Aidan! It is good to see you here." She obviously looks his outfit over, but doesn't comment on it. The squirrel seems to just dress whimsically (or haphazardly) after all. She rises from her seat for him, since he is at least in good standing with her.

     Sarracenia and most of her guests fully get that mob boss entering feeling as the L-Corp crew arrives in all suits. At least they wore something formal-looking. Although Sarracenia doesn't seem to understand the leather harness, several of the other guests seem to know what it is and shuffle even further away from Petra and her entourage than they already were.

     Sukuna is someone Sarracenia hasn't met, and so Sarra approaches her first. She smiles and curtseys to the short kid(?). "Welcome to the Sundew Kingdom! I hope you are enjoying your visit~" she says in a cheerful tone.

     Then, Ceri approaches. Sarracenia regards her with obvious suspicion. Especially with that request. But, unfortunately, in such a setting refusing such a request would surely be considered bad form. "Ceri. It is good to meet you in person. I must say, while a bit unconventional your outfit is quite eye catching."

     The necklace in question is a thin golden chain with a large gold pendant that holds a large ruby. It is pretty obvious that Sarra is hesitant to lean forward and give Ceri a closer look, but after a few moments she does. "Thank you. It is a family heirloom. The gem was discovered when this castle was being built. It was taken as a good sign and set in this necklace, which has been passed down over many generations."

     Sarra's tone is amicable, but her eyes are locked on Ceri. Just what is this agent planning?

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"I wanted it to be fully decent and non-exclusive since I don't hold myself above anyone merely on the grounds of them not being 'high-class'."

    "I was charitably assuming you'd only half-fail rather than fully." The words slip out of Petra automatically as a retort, and she winces in regret. The fact that there's an actual king and queen besides Sarracenia suddenly hits her and slows her momentum down, making her more hesitant and awkward. Sarracenia might just be another cringe Elite that Petra can bully with impunity, but making fun of Actual Adults (and more importantly, literal royalty in a way that Petra can't quite believe that Sarracenia is), in their own castle, is a bad look.

    To pull back her hostility a bit, without diminishing her presence, Petra shrugs and continues, her mantle falling off her shoulders. "And you're wrong, anyways. You *are* high class, supposedly. Not just since you're a royal brat, but since you're an Elite too. Either you're stronger, richer, more responsible, *better* than the masses, or you're not."

    "It's pathetic of you to want approval from both and get neither. Choose one or the other, not lukewarm both." She might have just burst into the gala with an introduction tailored to be disruptive and threatening, but that's probably the most sincere advice Petra's ever given Sarracenia.

"You'd do well to follow her lead. Stay close when you're learning and you'll be in good shape."

    Noyo's eyes follow Petra as she tries to steathily pretend to forget her glass somewhere so she could get a new one without wine in it, then has to shamefully pick it up again because the servants and guards won't stop looking at her. "I, uh... she's a Captain, so I've got no trouble believing she's strong, but isn't this all a bit... much?"

    Noyo sticks by Ceri as one person she barely knows at all in a sea of people she definitely doesn't, which unfortunately leads her to hang around behind Ceri while she's talking with Sarracenia. To distract herself from the royal center of attention, she looks around the room and spots someone who seems very far away, but is actually very small and up close instead. Passively and nervously intercepting Shinmyoumaru for want of a conversational focus and assuming she's a child, Noyo bends down slightly to reduce the nearly two foot difference in their heights.

    "Hey there, are you looking for someone? Did you get separated from your mom and dad?"

"The kingdom is pretty new though."

    "Well, I guess it happens." This laconic drawl is actually Vincent's version of being utterly overwhelmed, though to outside observers it just looks like she couldn't care less. "Who hasn't had a kingdom drop into their lap once or twice?"

    With absolutely zero context for Petra and Aidan's hostility, Vincent slides her way in beside him when collecting some champagne. She's only got one hand, he notices now that she's holding the wine glass with just her right, and the stump's covered up with some kind of sewn-shut black undershirt sleeve to keep attention off of it. She takes a sip and asks Aidan, aside, "What's with the costume?"

Aidan Proudpick (7373) has posed:
Aidan is a tall squirrel. Possibly threatening. His tail twitches threateningly. He could own a tree.

As Sarracenia looks closer, then says nothing, Aidan lets out a little puff of breath. "Maybe I should have gone for black pants? Or maybe a light green color for spring?" He looks down at himself. His smile is dimmer than it might be, with the addition of Petra, but he tries to soldier on, "But you look amazing! Really elegant." He realizes he should bow, or something at least, for the King and Queen, but it is arrested halfway as he doesn't really figure out what to do.

Aidan's eyes cast warily to Vincent, flicking eyes up and down over her face, trying to read any sort of pettiness to the question he might get from someone else. His eyes only take in the sewn limb for only a second, with the clear eye of someone who has seen similar before and pays it no mind.

"It's a royal gala, right? I figured I should dress up a little." He is on the defensive again, a common lean for the squirrel at the moment. Every social interaction has a razor blade hidden in it somewhere. "The Princess offered me some of the spare wardrobe."

Angela (7573) has posed:
"Mm." Ceri says. "She can be unorthodox, but I don't know of any Fixer agency that argues with results." She also looks towards Petra being awkward for a long moment before turning back to Noyo. "In the Cinq Association, we'd have duelists who'd look like absolute clown shoes but were terrifyingly competent at the job. And I don't just mean in terms of fighting. When motivated, Petra will get things done, whatever it takes. It's not good form to openly question your boss like this."

Ceri stalls for a moment before adding, "Take some time, watch what she's doing and see what happens and--ah--" She doesn't get a chance to warn her against Noyo making that assumption but her distraction lets her approach Sarracenia without further ado.

Meanwhile, Cinder is comfortable crossing her arms and giving a singular nod and a "Mmhmm." to support her girlfriend before following and kind of stealthily take Petra's wineglass away so she can grab a new glass at her leisure.
5r"Yeah," Cinder says. "Wait--I mean. It's a Dr. Eggman perk because he really hates animal folk and uh--"

Vincent asks about the costume. Cinder swallows and says nothing.

Parker is being quiet for the moment, happily humming as she moves across the table, collecting knive and forks as she moves through as they disappear amongst her person. She hasn't started clinking and clanking audibly yet and the thefts are only going to get more obvious with time.

Sarracenia takes a moment to hold the pendant via her palm. She takes a long look at it. Then her gaz flits up to Sarracenia's. Sarracenia can see in her eyes that they have lost any luster for life that she might have one had. She is... not happy. Her words are calculatedly polite but there's no joy. This is someone who could leave the facility and has even been asked to leave the facility in order to recover in a place less dangerous for one confined to a chair--and hasn't. Because she has already lost everything she cared about.

Almost everything. The hand on the ruby does not move. Nor does she reach for the rapier. Instead, Sarracenia will feel the SLAAAAAAAAP of a glove across her cheek--no hand inside. IT isn't an especially hard slap. If it stings, it'll only be brief.

"I challenge you to a duel." Ceri says. "As you are of higher social class than myself you may pick the time and place. You may also choose a second as you'd like. In turn I will ask for a neutral arbiter to decide the match. Please respond with your desired time and place within a span of time of two weeks."

She figures if they just execute her, that isn't exactly a loss.

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
"It's pretty nice," is Shinmyoumaru's response to Sarracenia. Which it is! She's curious of a few things about it, but now isn't the time to ask. She can find out just by walking around later, anyway. She remembers to do a complex-looking bow of her own, and manages to pull it off successfully.

"I've never been to a hu - a kingdom like this. And with the plants!" Well, the whole place is named for plants, so maybe Shinmyoumaru shouldn't be surprised by that?

But she really does want to see the Lobotomy Corp crew up close, and, well... here's Noyo.

Noyo is a lot taller than Shinmyoumaru, which annoys her to begin with. Shinmyoumaru subtly rises to her tiptoes, which doesn't actually help enough to matter. It makes Noyo crouching down a little easier, and eventually Shinmyoumaru gives up balancing on tiptoes and drops back to a more comfortable standing position.

"What? No! I came by myself. I'm not that young!" Shinmyoumaru huffs, puffing out her cheeks in a way that makes it look more like a lie. "I'm an adult! I'm just not human. I'm an inchling!" She pauses a moment, and then guesses, "You probably haven't seen one before. Or you just overlooked them..."

She eyes Noyo a few moments later, and then sticks out her hand. "My name is Shinmyoumaru Sukuna! Princess of the Inchlings." Which is actually true, it's just that nobody cares because nobody knows who they are, which makes using it for social clout a little challenging. Still, Shinmyoumaru gives it a shot.

"Who are your friends?" Shinmyoumaru peeks past Noyo at the others. She focuses on the slapping Ceri. "Oh! I can be a neutral arbiter! I don't know anyone here yet."

Sarracenia has posed:
     Aidan compliments her outfit, and Sarracenia smiles. "Thank you! You look...unconventional! But, I think it works for you. Though, black is rarely a bad choice when it comes to fashion."

     'I was charitably assuming you'd only half-fail rather than fully.'

     King Bark's eyes narrow as a few guests near Petra gasp softly, and Queen Pansy places a hand on his arm. "...this is her fight...she must win it on her own..." Pansy says to Bark, just barely above a whisper.

     Sarracenia hmphs and smirks. "I have yet to see any points of failure." she says as more people (notably most of whom do not seem to be from this world) continue to slowly trickle in.

     'It's pathetic of you to want approval from both and get neither. Choose one or the other, not lukewarm both.'

     Sarra mmmphs in some annoyance, but the phrasing catches her attention. Petra didn't call her pathetic. She said it was pathetic to want both at once and get neither. Did Petra say it that way on purpose? Sarracenia raises an eyebrow. "My being high class does not mean I am going to treat the standard citizen as a lesser person. To do so would be to disrespect the contributions they make to the kingdom and the world. And if the famous plumber of the Mushroom Kingdom proves anything, it is that heroes can come from any station or class." she says, then after a pause and a look over Petra she adds, "...as can villains."

     Sarracenia is...unnerved as she sees Ceri's eyes. Just what has happened to this person that they have such eyes? The concern and curiousity is visible in Sarracenia's expression, if only just. The actual grip on the necklace draws a bit of a frown, then...

     Slap! 'I challenge you to a duel.'

     Sarracenia straightens up instinctively, and the pendant comes with it. She cradles it protectively while the crowd gasps loudly at the challenge. The guards don't brandish their weapons, but they do definitely take notice and shift their positions to facing Ceri.

     Sarracenia...well, as Meika has said many times, she is weird. Rather than be insulted her lips curl up into a grin. "A duel, hm? So, you are her." she says, then crosses her arms lightly over her chest. "Very well. I accept your challenge! I do appreciate a proper duel for honor, after all. And perhaps I can bring some emotion back into those eyes of yours." she says.

     'Oh! I can be a neutral arbiter! I don't know anyone here yet.'

     The child-like Sukuna calls out, and Sarra looks over. She starts to object. "Are you certain? A child shouldn't..." But, she realizes she's met many children since entering the Multiverse that were out and about. She hmms, then smirks. "Very well. If you are offering, it would be rude to refuse."

     Sarracenia turns back to Ceri after that. "I will be in contact with the time and place soon." she says, then hees. "It is good to meet someone who truly seems to value honor."

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"It's a royal gala, right? I figured I should dress up a little."

    Vincent carries a naturally hostile look, in the ambiently dangerous way of a gun sitting on a table that you can't help catching your eyes on. She matches Aidan's stare with one of her own instinctually even though she's a full half-foot shorter, pale pink eyes languidly squinting back at him. When he verbally gestures towards it, her eyes leave his face and slice down his outfit before returning up to respond.

    "Wasn't gonna step up to you and question your fashion choices. I meant about the animal mask, fur and everything." She takes another sip of wine, casually patting one of the other attendees on the shoulder to get them to move aside so she can grab a little quiche off an hors d'oeuvres platter carried by a waiter. "Don't need to twist your whiskers, boyo. I don't know jack about royalty, and I bet you do. I'm just asking."

"I'm an adult! I'm just not human. I'm an inchling!"

    "Oh, dear! I'm sorry!" Noyo, already critically embarrassed by the two-hit combo of Petra's entrance and then being chastized by Ceri, trying to choose a safe option in this alien environment by talking to a child, takes a third hit from being told that Shinmyoumaru is a *princess* instead. She escalates one further step of deepening pink, then overflows into going pale, forgetting that she's wearing a suit instead of a dress and trying to do a curtsy.

    "That's right, I'm new to all of this, I'm very sorry, Princess Sukuna. It's my first time leaving the City at all, much less meeting royalty. I *greatly* apologize if I caused you any offense." Maybe typically there isn't much clout in invoking the name of the Princess of the Inchlings, but Noyo hasn't heard of *anything*, so Shinmyoumaru gets the maximum amount of respect possible from a deflating Noyo.

"My being high class does not mean I am going to treat the standard citizen as a lesser person."

    This is where Petra actually stops and crosses her arms, temporarily forgetting that she's in the middle of a fairly sizable royal party and drawing considerable attention to herself. With Cinder by her side, and her other matching-suited agents scattered around the gala, as well as all her black and gold ornamentation representative of the power granted to her by various other relationships, when she settles into a serious expression, it feels like there's some gravity to it.

    "But you're not treating them the same as yourself, right? You're not giving them your bombs and hammers and powerups so that they can fight on the same level as you. You're not giving them command of the fucking navy. Put out whatever half-baked 'magnanimous' invitations in the newspaper and internet that you want; you'd still be able to kill almost everyone in this room if you wanted to, and almost no one could stop you. Obviously, other than the Elites."

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
    The fact that this implicitly means *Petra* could also kill everyone in this room isn't directly addressed, but it's not like Petra would deny it if it was. She'd talked with Princess (full name Princess Delilah Morbucks) about this before, well enough to know the roles of supervillain and superhero in terms of the monopolization of violence. She taps her heel against the floor, getting antsy about having to talk so much at once, especially on such a meaningful topic to her.

    "You are who you choose to be around. You're not enough of a person on your own to be anything else. So my *advice* to you, princess, not that you asked, is that you should maybe put more thought into it, or end up being nothing at all. Who's the target audience for an overly fancy party where any random person from the street can wander in, anyways? Thieves?"

    She doesn't know that Parker is going around stealing silverware. After she finishes talking, Petra exhales heavily, then gives Cinder a shoulder bump for emotional support. Muttering to her while turning away from the thrones, Petra complains, "I should've just stuck to the evil schtick. I could've just wandered around threatening people, grabbed some food, and left. Stupid."

Aidan Proudpick (7373) has posed:
Unconventional? Aidan will take that, smiling at Sarracenia. "Thanks, Princess!"

"Wasn't gonna step up to you and question your fashion choices. I meant about the animal mask, fur and everything."

There's a clear deflating of tension from Aidan. "Oh." An easy smile climbs back onto his face, less immediately guarded. Aidan goes for fruit, since fruit is the only thing that they usually have that fits in his diet. He goes easy on the champagne. "It's not a suit. I'm just a squirrel." He waves his tail around to show, as if flopping it back and forth might prove it's real. Seeing the champagne flute in one hand and Vincent deprived of another, Aidan gives a little bow, "I'm Aidan. And I don't actually know that much about royalty. But if I had to guess, this is just one of those fancy noble parties you hear about? Sometimes they just show off a little. I wouldn't be surprised if Sarracenia was just throwing a party just for her people's morale. She really wants to be seen as a people's princess."

He looks over to Sarracenia, contemplating that thought. Trying to link together thoughts, piece what parts he might see in the mirror. At the SLAP, Aidan suddenly jerks his head back. "She also REALLY likes to fight. Kind of loves it, in fact. That's not usually a royalty thing."

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"I challenge you to a duel."

    The fuss surrounding Ceri and Sarracenia pulls both Petra and Noyo's attention back to the pair. Vincent takes advantage of everyone being distracted by the duel by scooping up another palmful of mini-quiches. It's not that she doesn't care, it's that it doesn't even register as more insane than anything else that's going on right now. As far as she's concerned, her boss brought her in as a weird prop, and her role ended the moment Petra walked away from the doors, so she's just minimizing the confusion and stress inflicted on her by not engaging with royalty at all.

    Petra blinks in confusion at Ceri, looking at her back over her shoulder. "... Huh? Why? Just because she doesn't know shit about duels? Ceri, you're..." '... not really capable of fighting anyone', would be how Petra finishes that sentence, but she just gets irritated instead. Ceri's moping *this* much about Petra saving her life, and honestly, Petra can barely muster up any reason why she did it in the first place. It's a fucking wheelchair, not a prison cell.

    Petra calls out to Parker, who's the one with the tablet, without noticing she's not around anymore. "Hey, Binah? You're seeing-- huh? Parker? Where...? Jesus fucking Christ, Parker."

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
"I *just* said I wasn't a child!" Shinmyoumaru huffs again, raising her voice for that one.

Even though she didn't say it to Sarracenia and Sarracenia was kind of busy at the time, anyway, so nobody could reasonably expect her to have heard it. That's not going to stop Shinmyoumaru for being annoyed about it!

Fortunately, Noyo is being... more deferential than anyone has ever been to Shinmyoumaru in her life. Including other inchlings, as her title is more honorary than anything else because of her heritage; it's not like they're much of a kingdom. She can be mollified almost immediately by this.

"Well, I'm not from here, so it's fine," Shinmyoumaru says, after a few moments. "I've actually never been to a place like this either... we mostly live in the Shining Needle Castle. It's dangerous for most inchlings to leave, but I'm powerful so it's all right." She puffs herself up slightly with pride.

She glances over toward Petra again, lets that be (for now), but she's starting to form an opinion. This is probably fine.

Angela (7573) has posed:
Oh I can be a neutral arbiter! I don't know anyone here yet.

Ceri has no idea who this is and says, "Sure. You've got the job."

Ceri doesn't argue with Sarracenia about anything she particularly says. She doesn't see the point. If you're slapping someone with a glove you're past the argument anyway but she does seem confused by the words 'So, you are her,' briefly before realizing that she means she recognizes her from the Banter band. She doesn't seem especially troubled by Sarracenia getting into this. She wasn't so different in that regard when she was younger. Having what Ceri considers the 'Wrong Opinion' about duels would not normally escalate her behavior to that of a duel--people misunderstanding duels is as common as there are blades of grass. She accepts, that's all Cerisier really cares about.

"Sounds good." Ceri says.

It is good to meet someone who truly seems to value honor.

"...Honor..." She murmurs to herself before wheeling herself towards the Princess Sukuna. "Princess." She offers a card. "My information. Contact me and I'll give you the time and day. Thank you for stepping forward." She says robotically.

Binah sips her tea from her datapad, but she's having a tough time getting a look of things while Parker is sliding a golden spoon up a sleeve. She sighs wistfully but she can at least hear what's going on, perking up as Petra starts to speak. She always admires Petra's ability to inflict pain whether it be on herself or others.

Cinder almost adds 'Not to mention working legs' when Petra brings up the ways Ceri and Sarracenia will not be on equal ground but then sees Ceri's eyes and swallows the idea of saying that down her throat.

She does say, a bit later, "Are you sure you know what she wants out of this fight?" She asks of the duel, softly like she's afraid she'll be overheard by Ceri.

Who's the target audience ... Thieves?

A fork tumbles out of Parker's pant leg. She crouches down nonchalantly, picks up the fork, and slides it into her other sleeve instead, awkwardly and quickly scootching towards Petra and Cinder.

"We can go." Cinder murmurs, giving Petra a one armed hug. "It's not too late--we came, we talked shit, now we can go do something we actually enjoy."

Parker adds in a whisper, "I really want to steal her necklace."

"I don't think that'll be as easy to sneak away--" Cinder manages.

"Let's try it later. I want her stuff." Parker adds.

Sarracenia has posed:
     'you'd still be able to kill almost everyone in this room if you wanted to, and almost no one could stop you'

     Sarracenia seems uncertain of the point here, and it flusters her a bit. "...but I wouldn't. I am their princess and protector. I do what I do and the navy does what it does so the citizens do not have to fight. That is the whole point of the royal family and our soldiers. To provide safety and security for the people living within our kingdom. I admit I did not always appreciate the responsibility, but recent years have shown me the truth about it. And if they do wish to fight, they can join the military or strike out on their own into the Multiverse.

     'You are who you choose to be around. You're not enough of a person on your own to be anything else. So my *advice* to you, princess, not that you asked, is that you should maybe put more thought into it, or end up being nothing at all. Who's the target audience for an overly fancy party where any random person from the street can wander in, anyways? Thieves?'

     Of all the people who might try to stop Parker, the most unexpected might be...Gregory. The fairly short piranha plant person in the butler suit who often accompanies Sarracenia on outings. But, it is he - with his leaves folded politely behind his back - who is suddenly beside Parker when the theiving becomes more and more obvious. He is accompanied by four guards, spears gripped but still not yet brandished. Though he has no actual eyes he is clearly regarding her with a serious expression. "Madam, while I can understand appreciating the royal cutlerly, I must ask that you hand them over in their entirety. Then, you shall be escorted out."

     Sarracenia had not even considered that people might come here just to steal, whether because she mysteriously has faith in people or is simply that naive. When the suggestion is made, the princess blinks in surprise and looks around. She sees Gregory and her expression sinks a bit. She can't really argue the points, be it theives or being who she surrounds herself with.

     Though, as Petra turns away Sarra takes a deep breath. "I will become enough! I aim high! I will not rest until I am on equal footing with -her-! Regardless of how long that might take!" Although she doesn't say the name, Petra likely knows just which 'her' Sarra means from the tone. And she seems quite serious about it, judging by the determined frown and clenched fists.

     Although she hears Aidan and Sukuna, she isn't exactly in a position to reply to them at this time. She'll apologize later.

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"It's not a suit. I'm just a squirrel."

    "That's fine." After that non-sequiter, Vincent pops a quiche in her mouth to give herself a little bit to think before needing to say anything else. She reflects on the barely thirty minute long explanation of their role in the multiverse that Petra gave her and Noyo, though she'd assured the pair that there'd be more in Training later. To paraphrase... most of what Petra said was... 'most of the things on most worlds are stupid; you probably don't need to care much about them'.

    Vincent slowly blinks at Aidan, then tucks her wine glass into her left elbow and lazily extends a hand to shake. "Lots of people in my old gang said I'm like a raven. I'm Vincent."

"She also REALLY likes to fight. Kind of loves it, in fact."

    Vincent, muttering to herself, barely seems to realize she's still talking to Aidan as she watches the duel challenge go down. "At least *someone* here makes any fucking sense. Or maybe that means she makes even less sense than anyone else."

"Well, I'm not from here, so it's fine,"

    This comes as a visible massive relief to Noyo, and she slumps over to nearly become shorter than Shinmyoumaru with a big sigh. "Oh, me neither. I'm from District 18-- which might not even make any sense to you, huh? I'm Noyo, agent level three, Extraction team, it's an honor to meet you, Princess."

"I aim high! I will not rest until I am on equal footing with -her-! Regardless of how long that might take!"

    There's a moment where it seems like Petra might openly laugh at Sarracenia, but the energy drains from her all at once to leave her cold and distant. Her eyes narrow at Sarracenia, framed by her two wealthy, powerful, and *present* parents, and her arm that isn't wrapped around Cinder hangs loosely at her side, rather than gesticulating like she usually prefers to. When she turns to fully face Sarracenia, the golden lily hanging from her throat softly jingles.

    "You're falling further behind every single day, princess. You're not even in the same solar system as Lilian. Could you imagine her putting out some half-assed generic invitation to anyone who could fucking stumble across it? Could you imagine her hiding behind her parents to make sure everything goes well like she's a little kid showing off a drawing? Could you imagine her putting so little attention into her own self-creation that she wouldn't even think about hosting a party until *I* made fun of her for it, like I did with you?"

    "If you were trying to approach being like her, you'd be a lot more like me and a lot less like yourself. Try to catch up to me before even thinking about catching up to her; and even *I'm* so much less than her that it takes everything I have to even keep her in sight. Even if you had a million years, she and I would be further beyond you than you could even imagine, and you'd be the same incompetent, clueless, apathetic, *normal* brat you've always been."

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"Are you sure you know what she wants out of this fight?"

    "I don't have a fucking clue." Petra murmurs to Cinder, weaving through the crowd to grab Parker by the back of her suit collar. "Wasn't talking about Ceri. She can do whatever the hell she wants; she's not my problem and I already saved her life once. Right, Binah?"

    Gregory and his entourage gets a quick 'keep your hands off my minion' while she physically spins Parker around to get to the tablet with Binah. ""Ceri asked to come along when I'm not her Captain, and I didn't even do anything to encourage her this time. No way Gebura's going to get on my case for this one, right?"

Angela (7573) has posed:
Parker draws out a fork threateningly as guards approach. She probably could get away on her own power but Petra grabs her first and Parker has had it explained to her many times that she's supposed to listen to her Captain. She is turned away kind of perpendicular to Petra.

"Mm?" Binah asks. "Which one--" Her eyes travel along for a bit and finds the Agent she doesn't recognize as being part of her team. "Ah, that one must be Ceri. She came on her own, anything problematic she does is just on her, isn't it? Besides, I do not really care. If the Princess wishes to be defeated in battle by someone who cannot even stand, I suppose that is her perogative. I am simply impressed she does not see how embarrassing this will look for her regardless of the outcome." Binah didn't get to say anything mean all day.

Ceri is now wheeling away.

"No, I don't think anything should get back to you though Gebura may have a thing or two to say to Ceri."

Cinder says, "Oh--" to Petra. "I mean I just don't think she really knows why Ceri's doing this either. And ... I doubt she could ever be like the Dame Commander. She' not even-yeah. I doubt she cares and is just gonna live in her own reality about it."

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
Shinmyoumaru accepts the card from Ceri. "I've got it!" she promises, tucking it up her sleeve. It stays there; presumably she has a pocket or something in it. Given how much flowing cloth her outfit has, it wouldn't be out of the question.

She looks back up at Noyo. "No, I don't know where it is. I'm sure I'll find it sometime," Shinmyoumaru says, before adding, a few moments later, "...maybe? But it was nice to meet you too." Shinmyoumaru nods firmly, more to herself than anyone else. Twice.

Then she looks past her again. "Do you need to go with the rest of them...?" They did all come in together, after all, but now half of them are either leaving, or being escorted out, or otherwise no longer here.

It's fine, though; Shinmyoumaru just seems happy to have met someone pleasant. AND be chosen to do something important, even if she mostly just invited herself along.

Aidan Proudpick (7373) has posed:
A sheepish grin spreads over Aidan's face as he shakes the hand.

"At least *someone* here makes any fucking sense. Or maybe that means she makes even less sense than anyone else."

Aidan sips at his own champagne flute as he mulls that over. "Sarracenia's pretty easy to get." He has to turn another thought over in his head. "She's probably one of the most normal people. She just wants everyone to look up to her. And that means she won't back down from a fight."

There's an obvious consideration, Aidan looking like he wants to ask something. Deciding he's rather keep any discussion of Petra away, he goes back to an earlier point. "Ravens are pretty funny. They look really menacing, but most of the ones I've met just love to have fun. And are pretty smart." A simple shrug of one shoulder, his smile warming back up.

He is also trying DESPERATELY not to look at Sarracenia now, as the mirror begins to reflect way WAY too close to home.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia mmphs softly at what Petra says, and her teeth clench. "No, I could not. But, everyone must start somewhere." she says, measuring her tone and volume since they are in a public party. "I have never hidden behind my parents! If anything I distance myself from them!" She motions with a hand, and indeed they are still seated in their chairs while Sarra is on the floor with Petra and the others. And her volume control is failing.

     Sarra's parents have been watching attentively, but it is true they have not raised a hand or said a word to help her. They too think she is lacking and want her to raise herself up, after all. Still, her father is starting to look angry himself. And the refusal to hand over the stolen goods is the last straw. He finally rises, his figure strong and imposing.

     He makes his way over, and as he does more guards follow. Sarracenia shoots him a glare as this is the worst moment for him to intervene, but his stern look back makes her shrink away. His cape billows behind him as he approaches, and the guards near the door close in around the agents as well. He stops just in front of Gregory and looks down at Petra and Parker.

     "I will not argue with what you have said to my daughter, but openly stealing from me in my own home I cannot abide." he says, his voice strong and a bit gravelly. "Return the items and we can let this matter drop. Refuse, and we may have to put that theory about who can harm whom in this room to the test."

     As he says this, spears are finally lowered into ready position, aimed at Parker. "There is no need for violence, but make no mistake. The Sundew Kingdom has not lasted this long in this hostile land because we are afraid of confrontation." His hand rests on a sword at his waist that had been hidden by his cloak while he eyes that fork that is being held by Parker.

     Sarracenia stays nearby. And she looks worried. It is unclear how capable her father is, but it seems to her that Petra and the L-Corp agents seem to place little value on lives outside of their circle of friends. Her hand rests on her satchel in a similar manner. Gregory, even though he seems to be a non-combatant, stays at his king's flank.

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
"No, I don't think anything should get back to you though Gebura may have a thing or two to say to Ceri."

    "Thank god. No problem for me, then. Maybe Sarracenia's going to go around claiming that her best 'honor duel' was against a cripple, after this."

    Petra frowns at Parker, shaking her around to get her to drop the cutlery. "Why are you like this? Why can't you be normal?" Petra's vague posturing and threats are retroactively backed up a little when a pair of her ratbots levitates down from where they were nearly-invisibly hidden in the rafters, having snuck in at some point earlier undetected. They each latch on to Parker's shoulders, engaging their antigravity generators and lifting her a few inches up into the air so she can't run away or move around on her own.

    "I swear to god, Parker. You're so creepy. Your deal is incomprehensible to me."

"Do you need to go with the rest of them...?"

    Shinmyoumaru's question is the first time Noyo notices Parker's shenanigans. She straightens up, instantly able to see over the majority of the partygoers, and squints at the mild confrontation happening with Petra and Gregory. "Oh-- oh, gosh, are they being *escorted out*? Aaauuuu... I... thank you, I really ought to be leaving with them, yes. If you... if you ever happen to find your way to Lobotomy Corporation, and you're given a pass to enter, then I'd be happy to show you around. But... but for now, I guess I should go...."

"She's probably one of the most normal people. She just wants everyone to look up to her. And that means she won't back down from a fight."

    Vincent waves her hand in a circle, head tilted to the side to consider the princess. "That all stops being normal when you're royalty, though. I guess not so much 'wanting to be looked up to'. Most of us just don't have a whole ass District who we expect to admire us."

    "Omens of death too, so they say." On ravens. Vincent nods her head in agreement at the qualities of ravens, and chooses not to ask about the qualities of squirrels. When King Bark starts storming his way over to the cluster of the other Extraction agents, Vincent slams back the rest of her wine and sighs.

    "First day on the job and my team's already pissed off royalty. Doesn't feel all that far from home now, huh? The hospitality's been a real fucking charm, but I probably gotta stick with them if they get kicked out, or I'll be stranded."

"I will not argue with what you have said to my daughter, but openly stealing from me in my own home I cannot abide."

Petra Soroka (7518) has posed:
    "That's rough. Still, this is sort of what I mean." Whatever insane concoction of dismissal and arrogance possesses Petra in the moment to look past the towering king and talk to Sarracenia only grasps her for a few moments, and Parker's already been apprehended by her ratbots before she talks. "They won't stick up for you in a dumb catfight you started, but you're still hiding behind them if you're only able to do anything in *their* castle. Is there actually any problem you'd feel confident about solving if you didn't have them as backup, princess?"

    Petra brings her attention back to the king, then immediately freezes up as multiple competing rules enter her brain. Should she defer and politely smooth this over, maintaining relationships for essentially no cost like Lilian would? Should she assert her control and capability so that she's not seen buckling to a mild threat? She did come in here under the role of a villain, after all, so looking weak might be a detriment. Petra blinks and stays silent for a few seconds, the thoughts of roles and networking interfering with each other and canceling out, leaving her with the sudden realization that she's a teenager from Texas who stole a gun and is now here.

    "Uh...." Petra makes a noncommittal sound, finally, then has her ratbots shake Parker around in the air so all the silverware comes clattering out. With her brain shutting down, she defaults to vague, childish confusion and recitence, failing to project any particular persona at all. "It's just silverware, dude. And look at her. She's, like, fucking stupid. Are you really threatening to pull out a weapon just because some mentally ill weirdo picked up forks like she's goddamn Ariel?"

    "Parker, you're grounded. The rest of you, we're heading out."

Angela (7573) has posed:
Clatter clatter clatter!! Most (not all) of Parker's silverware tumbles to the floor.

"No...my crimes..." Parker laments. "I like stealing...!" To make matters worse, she's grounded. "Why do the vicious Winglings want to make my face sad? Plastic forks make my face sad. Crime makes my face happy."

This is probably not a convincing argument but the Agents leave without further incident.

Shinmyoumaru Sukuna (7615) has posed:
Lobotomy Corporation. Not knowing what a lobotomy is, Shinmyoumaru accepts this without comment. "Sure!" is what she actually says, and there's a mental fistpump that mercifully does not get an actual physical one to go with it. "Oh, there's all the forks. I guess they're good now."

She also didn't see anything wrong with Ceri challenging Sarracenia in a wheelchair. *She* fights sitting down sometimes, after all. It's perfectly normal.

Shinmyoumaru waves at the departing Lobotomy Corporation crew before wandering off. She has a buffet to examine, after all. She didn't even have anything yet! Most of it she didn't even recognize.

Aidan Proudpick (7373) has posed:
Aidan watches Sarracenia on her rant about Lilian. "Well, some people go crazy and want to impress an entire kingdom," with a tone of voice that includes himself, "But at least she has a good reason to."

"Omens of death too, so they say."

A smile on his face again. He thinks about how to spin that into a good thing, a platitude, but then he just grins at his own lack of poetic ability, "Maybe they meant that."

"First day on the job and my team's already pissed off royalty."

"You probably see that a lot." A moment to think, "We all make them mad." He finishes up his flute of champagne. "Have a good night, Vincent! I'm going to go return these clothes before the whole kingdom walls up."

Sarracenia has posed:
     As the silverware starts clattering out, the king raises his hand off his sword and the spears are likewise lifted. Petra and the agents are allowed to leave without further incident, and the guards return to their positions. "It may be just silverware, but there is a principle involved. I am sure you understand." he says to Petra as they turn to leave. He also turns and heads back to his seat.

     Sarracenia is a bit baffled by the accusation that holding an event in the castle is hiding behind her parents. "...but...it is where I live..." she says quietly as the agents head out.

     "I solve all my own problems!" Sarracenia calls out childishly as Petra leaves. Which causes the king to look her way with that look of his. Sarracenia flinches lightly and looks down. "You still have a long way to go." the king says, causing Sarra to shrink some more. "Y-yes, daddy..." she says quietly. The queen looks toward Sarracenia with quiet sympathy.

     After that, the ball resumes. And despite everything Sarra remains here. She just lectured someone a few days ago about not running away in such a situation. She can't do so herself now. And she takes this time to approach Aidan and Sukuna to apologize for them having to see all that and to thank Sukuna again for agreeing to be the arbiter of the duel.